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Rules
Rules
Student Researchers are responsible for reading and following the rules, which are there to guide you in safely completing your project. Most projects CAN be completed within the rules!
The Palm Beach Regional Science & Engineering Fair is affiliated with the International Science and Engineering Fair and the State Science & Engineering Fair. All projects must follow the ISEF rules. Affiliated fairs are permitted to enact rules which are MORE strict that ISEF. Therefore, it is important to also read the State Fair supplement, which outlines additional rules from the State of Florida. The PBRSEF also publishes a handbook which clearly explains where our fair is more strict than SSEF or ISEF.
Parents, teachers, and students often become frustrated with the paperwork process. It's important to remember that the purpose of the forms is to document that all safety precautions will be taken to protect the student researcher, human or vertebrate subjects, and the environment. When paperwork is reviewed, it is ONLY to ensure rules were followed, not to judge a project. The quality of the project is determined on judging day between the judge and the student researcher.
Adult Roles
Adult Roles
Parental Involvement: Of course you should be involved! However, the level of your participation in your child's project will vary depending on age, ability, your comfort level, and the type of project. It is NOT required that your child complete the project without your assistance. Some activities may require only adult supervision, while some you may need to do for your child. The rulebook and your school coordinator will guide you. Student researchers should not fear that a judge may penalize them for having adult assistance.
Adult Sponsor: Any adult who is keeping an eye on the student and checking in on their progress periodically. Minimal supervision. Required for every project.
Designated Supervisor: the adult who is actually watching the student do the project. Required IF the project involves HCADS. (Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices). This is subjective, and determined by the school fair coordinator and the SRC/IRB. When doubt, err on the side of caution.
Qualified Scientist - a person with an advanced DEGREE (PhD, MD, DVM) OR significant documented experience/expertise in the field of study who has reviewed the procedures and agrees with the plan. This person may also be the DS, but not always as sometimes they are not local. They may designate someone else (the DS) to watch the student do the project and ensure the agreed upon plan is followed.
These can be three different people, or one person can be all three.
NONE OF THESE PEOPLE CAN ALSO BE MEMBERS OF THE SRC/IRB THAT REVIEWS AND APPROVES THE PROJECT.
Categories: Please visit the SSEF Website for detailed category descriptions. https://ssefflorida.com/categories/
Please see the ISEF, SSEF, and PBRSEF rulebooks below for detailed rules for your project.
HINT: Start with the RESEARCH PLAN, and work with your teacher to revise and perfect it before you complete the rest of the forms and get your project approved.
DO NOT BEGIN YOUR PROJECT UNTIL YOUR FORM 1B is SIGNED and DATED!!! ALL APPROVAL FORMS MUST BE DATED PRIOR TO THE START DATE ON FORM 1A.
All forms MUST be completed electronically, using a GOOGLE/GMAIL account
All forms MUST be completed electronically, using a GOOGLE/GMAIL account
Please read the instructions CAREFULLY. Dates MATTER!
Please read the instructions CAREFULLY. Dates MATTER!
PBRSEF Handbook FY26
2025-26 SSEF Rules Supplement FINAL.pdf2026 ISEF Rulebook.pdf2025-26 Project Proposals
2025-26 Project Proposals
Students: Clicking on the button below will create a copy of the paperwork in your google drive. Follow the directions on page 1!
Students: Clicking on the button below will create a copy of the paperwork in your google drive. Follow the directions on page 1!
Make sure you are using your SCHOOL email address!
Make sure you are using your SCHOOL email address!
Review this presentation to help you!
Review this presentation to help you!
Log Books are not required to compete at the Regional Fair, but ARE required to compete at the State Fair. Check out this digital version to get started! You'll need to print it before competition!
PHBA = Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents
(cells, bacteria, microorganisms, rDNA, fresh/frozen tissues, primary cell lines, primate cell lines, tissue cultures, blood, blood products, body fluids)
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